Our News

9 November 2010

Barry College and Coleg Glan Hafren agree to merge to form one of the largest colleges in Wales

In September 2010, Barry College and Coleg Glan Hafren agreed to merge to create an innovative new college by September 2011. The merger brings together two excellent colleges, with complementary strengths, to form one of the largest and most exciting FE colleges in Wales.

The merger which has been in discussion since September 2008, is part of an innovative vision to transform post-16 education and training in the ‘Capital Region’ of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Since early 2009, both colleges have undertaken a detailed investigation into the creation of a new college. This investigation is in response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Transformation Agenda, published in September 2008, which recommended that colleges collaborate to maximise benefits to learners.

Jacquie Turnbull and Peter Cope, Chairs of Coleg Glan Hafren’s and Barry College’s Governing Bodies respectively, said in a joint statement, “Our innovative vision is to bring together two successful colleges with a wealth of expertise, to create an outstanding new college that will transform education and training across the capital region. A great deal of work has already been undertaken to bring the proposal this far. Opening the doors to the new college in September 2011 will be just the start of delivering on our promise to bring a host of benefits to learners and employers across the region.”

The benefits that the creation of a new college will bring to the region include:

Raising the profile of FE within the ‘Capital Region’ of Cardiff and the Vale – inspiring and widening participation and raising awareness of opportunities for both education and skills training.

Becoming one of the largest FE institutions in the country and a major strategic partner and driving force for the economic, social and cultural regeneration of the Capital Region of Wales in the 21st century.

Offering a wider range of courses and more opportunities for learners to progress in their study within the same college.

Working more closely with schools across the region to provide an extended, diverse range of high quality, exciting and relevant opportunities for 14-19 learners.

Becoming a one-stop-shop for employers and employees throughout the region by offering a very wide range of business support and training, through combining a wealth of resources, facilities, skills training and courses.

Creating more opportunities to study and learn in Welsh to support the Welsh Assembly Government policy for bilingual learning.

Leading the way on new curriculum initiatives, working with partner organisations, to provide an unrivalled and seamless pathway from school to higher education and employment.

Work is well underway for the new college to be created by August 2011, in time for the new academic year, when staff, learners and employers will begin to see these benefits.

Staff and unions of both colleges are being kept fully informed about developments during the whole process through online information, meetings and discussions relating to the merger. Existing and potential students, employer contacts and partners including Local Authorities, schools, universities and Sector Skills Councils are also being kept up to date on all developments through both College websites and direct contact where appropriate.